Image processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus includes: an image reading unit that reads an image of a document according to an instruction of an operator; an acquiring unit that acquires information on the operator performing document reading, or information on motions of the operator performed on the image processing apparatus in order to perform document reading; and a display that performs display for receiving an input for document reading, based on the line of sight, from the operator, when the information acquired by the acquiring unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-158895 filed on Aug. 21, 2017.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus.

Related Art

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a document reading apparatusin which when an opening/closing sensor is in an ON state and it isbeing detected that a cover is open, if a start key is operated, acontrol unit measures the time t when the start key is operated, and ifthe operation time t exceeds 3 seconds, the control unit waits for theoperation time t to elapse after the end of the operation on the startkey, and starts to read a document by a reading unit.

Also, for example, Patent Literature 2 discloses an image formingapparatus for reproducing the image of a document set on platen glass ona sheet. This image forming apparatus has a first start key provided onan operation panel so as to be usable to start a copying operation, asecond start key configured to detect that the platen glass is pressedby a force having a predetermined magnitude or more, and start a copyingoperation in response to the pressing-force detection signal, and aselecting unit configured to validate the operation of at least one ofthe first and second start keys.

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No,2004-233557

[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.10-268708

SUMMARY

Sometimes, reading of the images of documents is performed by an imageprocessing apparatus. For example, in the case where an operator puts adocument on a platen with both hands, and performs a read startoperation, the operator needs to take a hand from the document toperform the read start operation. Therefore, in a state where thedocument is out of place, reading may be performed.

Aspect of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relates toreduce reading from being performing in a state where a document is outof place in the case of reading the image of the document, as comparedto the configuration in which an input for reading is performed byoperator's hands.

Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosureaddress the above advantages and/or other advantages not describedabove. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not requiredto address the advantages described above, and aspects of thenon-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not addressadvantages described above.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided animage processing apparatus including: an image reading unit that readsan image of a document according to an instruction of an operator; anacquiring unit that acquires information on the operator performingdocument reading, or information on motions of the operator performed onthe image processing apparatus in order to perform document reading; anda display that performs display for receiving an input for documentreading, based on the line of sight, from the operator, when theinformation acquired by the acquiring unit satisfies a predeterminedcondition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an image processing apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardwareconfiguration of the image processing apparatus according to theexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functionalconfiguration of a control unit;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of the configuration of aline-of-sight detection sensor:

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views for explaining an example of the configurationof the line-of-sight detection sensor;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process procedurefor displaying a read input image and receiving an input based on theline of sight of an operator;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process procedure of a firstexample;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating examples of screens which aredisplayed in the first example;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process procedure of a secondexample;

FIGS. 10A to 10C are views illustrating examples of screens which aredisplayed in the second example;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a process procedure of a thirdexample; and

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views illustrating examples of screens which aredisplayed in the third example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Appearance of Image Processing Apparatus>

First, the appearance of an image processing apparatus 10 according tothe present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective viewillustrating the image processing apparatus 10 according to the presentexemplary embodiment. The image processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment is a so-called multi-function apparatushaving various image processing functions, such as an image readfunction (a scan function), a print function, a copy function, afacsimile function, and so on.

The image processing apparatus 10 includes a scanner 11, a printer 12,and an user interface (UI) 13. Of them, the scanner 11 is a device forreading images formed on documents, and the printer 12 is a device forforming images on recording materials. Also, the user interface 13 is adevice for receiving operator's operations (instructions) when anoperator operates the image processing apparatus 10 and displaying avariety of information for the operator.

The scanner 11 of the present exemplary embodiment is disposed on theprinter 12. Here, the scanner 11 includes a document holding member 14provided such that it may be opened upwards and be closed downwards asshown by an arrow in FIG. 1, and a platen 15 on which documents may beput. According to this configuration, an operator may open the documentholding member 14 upwards and put a document on the platen 15. Also, ifthe operator puts a document on the platen 15, and then returns thedocument holding member 14 to the original position (i.e. the operatorcloses the document holding member downwards), the document put on theplaten 15 is pressed by the document holding member 14.

Also, the document holding member 14 includes a document housing part 16for housing documents, and a document discharge part 17 onto whichdocuments sent from the document housing part 16 are discharged. Thescanner 11 reads the image of a document put on the platen 15, and theimages of documents which are conveyed from the document housing part 16toward the document discharge part 17.

The user interface 13 is attached to the scanner 11. The user interface13 is disposed on the front side of the image processing apparatus 10(the scanner 11) where the operator stands to operate the imageprocessing apparatus 10. Further, the user interface 13 is disposed soas to face up such that the operator standing on the front side of theimage processing apparatus 10 may operate the user interface whilelooking down the user interface from above.

Here, the user interface 13 includes a touch panel 130 and an operationbutton group 131. The touch panel 130 has a function of displaying avariety of information for the operator and receiving operator's inputs.Also, the operation button group 131 has a function of receivingoperator's inputs.

Also, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a line-of-sightdetection sensor 18, a first camera 19, and a second camera 20. Theline-of-sight detection sensor 18 is attached to the left side of theuser interface 13 so as to face up. The first camera 19 is attached tothe upper side of the user interface 13. The second camera 20 isattached to the left side of the front side of the printer 12.

The line-of-sight detection sensor 18 has a function of detecting theline of sight of the operator being in the vicinity of the imageprocessing apparatus 10. More specifically, the line-of-sight detectionsensor 18 detects the line of sight of the operator directed to thetouch panel 130 of the user interface 13. In the example shown in FIG.1, the line-of-sight detection sensor 18 is attached to the left side ofthe user interface 13; however, the present disclosure is not limited tothis configuration. The line-of-sight detection sensor 18 may beattached to any part where the line-of-sight detection sensor may detectthe line of sight of the operator directed to the touch panel 130, andmay be attached, for example, to a position within a predetermined rangefrom the touch panel 130.

The first camera 19 is configured with a so-called video camera, and hasa function of acquiring images. More specifically, the first camera 19is disposed at a position where the first camera may image the platen 15and the user interface 13, thereby acquiring images of the platen 15 andthe user interface 13.

The second camera 20 also is configured with a so-called video camera,and has a function of acquiring images. More specifically, the secondcamera 20 is disposed at a position where the second camera may imagethe operator being in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 10,and acquires images of the operator being in the vicinity of the imageprocessing apparatus 10.

Also, the first camera 19 and the second camera 20 acquire still imagesand/or videos.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus>

Now, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 10according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configurationof the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment includes a control unit 21, a communicationunit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, animage reading unit 26, an image forming unit 27, an imaging unit 28, aline-of-sight detection unit 29, and an authentication unit 30.

The control unit 21 controls the operations of individual units of theimage processing apparatus 10. The control unit 21 is configured with aCPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21 b,and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21 c.

The CPU 21 a loads various programs stored in the ROM 21 c and so oninto the RAM 21 b, and executes the programs, thereby implementing theindividual functions of the image processing apparatus 10. The RAM 21 bis a memory (a storage unit) usable as a work memory for the CPU 21 a,and so on. The ROM 21 c is a memory (a storage unit) for storing variousprograms to be executed by the CPU 21 a, and so on.

The communication unit 22 is an interface for communication which may beconnected to a communication line (not shown in the drawings). Thecommunication unit 22 performs communication with client apparatuses andother image processing apparatuses (all of which are not shown in thedrawings) via the communication line.

The operation unit 23 inputs information according to operator'soperations to the control unit 21. In this example, the operation unit23 is implemented by the touch panel 130 and the operation button group131 provided in the user interface 13.

The display unit 24 displays a variety of information for the operator.In this example, the display unit 24 is implemented by the touch panel130 provided in the user interface 13.

The storage unit 25 is a storage unit for storing a variety of data. Asan example of the storage unit 25, a hard disk may be taken. The storageunit 25 stores various programs, a variety of data, and so on which maybe used by the control unit 21.

The image reading unit 26 which is an example of an image reading unitreads the images of documents in response to instructions of theoperator, and generates image data representing the read images. In thisexample, the image reading unit 26 is implemented by the scanner 11.

The image forming unit 27 forms images according to image data onsheet-like recording materials such as paper sheets. In this example,the image forming unit 27 is implemented by the printer 12. Also, theimage forming unit 27 may form images by an electrophotographic system,or may form images by any other system.

The imaging unit 28 which is an example of an imaging unit imagesimaging subjects. In this example, the imaging unit 28 is implemented bythe first camera 19 and the second camera 20.

The line-of-sight detection unit 29 has a function of detecting the lineof sight of the operator being in the vicinity of the image processingapparatus 10. In this example, the line-of-sight detection unit 29 isimplemented by the line-of-sight detection sensor 18.

The authentication unit 30 performs authentication of the operator whenthe operator tries to operate the image processing apparatus 10. Forexample, if the operator waves an IC (Integrated Circuit) card such asan employee ID card belonging to the operator over an IC card reader(not shown in the drawings) of the image processing apparatus 10, theoperator is specified and authentication is performed. In this case, theauthentication unit 30 is implemented by the card reader. Alternatively,for example, authentication may be performed on the basis of an image ofthe face of the operator acquired by the second camera 20. Morespecifically, for example, the operator is specified by comparing theface image acquired by the second camera 20 with face images registeredin advance, and authentication is performed. In this case, theauthentication unit 30 is implemented by a processing device forperforming a process of specifying each operator by comparing a faceimage acquired by the second camera 20 with the face images regeneratedin advance.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 10, under the control of thecontrol unit 21, the scan function is implemented by the image readingunit 26, and the print function is implemented by the image forming unit27, and the copy function is implemented by the image reading unit 26and the image forming unit 27, and the facsimile function is implementedby the image reading unit 26, the image forming unit 27, and thecommunication unit 22.

<Functional Configuration of Control Unit>

Now, the functional configuration of the control unit 21 will bedescribed. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of thefunctional configuration of the control unit 21. The control unit 21includes a read motion information acquiring unit 31, a read operatorinformation acquiring unit 32, a condition determination unit 33, adisplay control unit 34, an operation input receiving unit 35, and aline-of-sight input receiving unit 36.

The read motion information acquiring unit 31 which is an example of anacquiring unit acquires information on motions of the operator performedon the image processing apparatus 10 in order to perform documentreading (hereinafter, referred to as read motion information). Readmotion information is, for example, information representing an image ofthe platen 15 and an image of the user interface 13 acquired by imagingof the first camera 19, and the magnitude of pressing force by which theplaten 15 is pressed. Details of read motion information will bedescribed below.

The read operator information acquiring unit 32 which is an example ofan acquiring unit acquires information on an operator which performsdocument reading using the image processing apparatus 10 (hereinafter,referred to as read operator information). Read operator information is,for example, information on an image of an operator acquired by imagingof the second camera 20 and the operator specified by the authenticationunit 30. Details of read operator information will be described below.

The condition determination unit 33 determines whether read motioninformation or read operator information satisfies a predeterminedcondition.

The display control unit 34 which is an example of a display performsdisplay for receiving an operator's input based on the line of sight andrelated to document reading if the condition determination unit 33determines that read motion information or read operator informationsatisfies the predetermined condition. Here, the display control unit 34displays an image for receiving an operator's input based on the line ofsight and related to document reading (hereinafter, referred to as aread input image) on the touch panel 130. This read input image is usedas an example of an image for specifying the line of sight of anoperator.

That is to say, for example, in the case of performing reading of adocument having a spread part and composed of two or more sheets(hereinafter, referred to as a spread document), the operator mayperform reading while pressing the document set on the platen 15 withboth hands to keep the document in place. In the present exemplaryembodiment, in order to validate an operator's input based on the lineof sight in such a situation, such a condition that it may be assumedthat both hands of the operator are full is determined in advance, andif it is determined that this condition is satisfied, the displaycontrol unit 34 displays the read input image.

Hereinafter, the predetermined condition is also referred to as theline-of-sight input condition. Details of the line-of-sight inputcondition will be described below.

The operation input receiving unit 35 receives inputs based onoperator's operations. Here, the operation input receiving unit 35receives operator's inputs by detecting touch operations which theoperator performs on the user interface 13. For example, the operationinput receiving unit 35 receives selection of the copy function bydetecting that an icon for the copy function displayed on a menu screenhas been pressed.

The line-of-sight input receiving unit 36 which is an example of areceiving unit receives operator's inputs based on the line of sight.Here, the line-of-sight input receiving unit 36 acquires information ona position which the operator is looking at (hereinafter, referred to asline-of-sight position information), from the line-of-sight detectionsensor 18, for example, regularly (for example, at intervals of 100 ms).Further, on the basis of the acquired line-of-sight positioninformation, the line-of-sight input receiving unit receives anoperator's input based on the line of sight. More specifically, theline-of-sight input receiving unit 36 specifies the line of sight of theoperator on the basis of the acquired line-of-sight positioninformation, and determines whether the operator is looking at the readinput image. If determining that the operator is looking at the readinput image, the line-of-sight input receiving unit receives an inputaccording to the position which the operator is looking at.

For example, if it is determined that the operator is looking at a“Start” button for the copy function displayed on the read input image,the line-of-sight input receiving unit 36 receives an input forperforming the copy function. Then, the copy function is performed. Inother words, image reading of the image reading unit 26 and imageformation of the image forming unit 27 are performed. Also, for example,if it is determined that the operator is looking at a “Return toSetting” button displayed on the read input image, the line-of-sightinput receiving unit 36 receives an input for displaying a settingscreen for the copy function. Then, the setting screen for the copyfunction is displayed. In other words, the display control unit 34displays the setting screen for the copy function.

In other words, the line-of-sight input receiving unit 36 assumes anorthogonal coordinate system, on the touch panel 130 (see FIG. 1). Forexample, the line-of-sight input receiving unit assumes that the upperleft corner of the touch panel 130 is the origin O1 (0, 0), and thecoordinates of the touch panel 130 in the horizontal direction are Xcoordinates, and the coordinates of the touch panel 130 in the verticaldirection are Y coordinates. Also, the line-of-sight input receivingunit 36 acquires, for example, information on the X coordinate and the Ycoordinate of the position which the operator is looking at, asline-of-sight position information. Subsequently, on the basis of theinformation on the X coordinate and the Y coordinate which the operatoris looking at, and information on the X coordinate and the Y coordinateof the position of the read input image, the line-of-sight inputreceiving unit 36 determines whether the operator is looking at the readinput image and which position the operator is looking at.

Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, even when the read inputimage is displayed, inputs based on operator's touch operations arepossible. In other words, even when the read input image is displayed,the operation input receiving unit 35 receives inputs based onoperator's operations.

Also, the individual functional units constituting the control unit 21shown in FIG. 3 are implemented by cooperation between softwareresources and hardware resources. Specifically, in the case where theimage processing apparatus 10 is implemented with the hardwareconfiguration shown in FIG. 2, an OS program and application programsstored in the ROM 21 c are loaded into the RAM 21 b, and are executed bythe CPU 21 a, whereby the functional units such as the read motioninformation acquiring unit 31, the read operator information acquiringunit 32, the condition determination unit 33, the display control unit34, the operation input receiving unit 35, and the line-of-sight inputreceiving unit 36 are implemented.

<Configuration of Line-of-Sight Detection Sensor>

Now, the configuration of the line-of-sight detection sensor 18 (seeFIG. 1) will be described. FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A and 5B are views forexplaining an example of the configuration of the line-of-sightdetection sensor 18.

As shown in FIG. 4, the line-of-sight detection sensor 18 has a lightsource 181 for irradiating an operator's eye ball 101 with an infraredbeam in a spot shape, and the infrared beam reflected from the eye ball101 enters an optical lens group 183 through a fine aperture stop formedin an ocular lens 182. The optical lens group 183 focuses the reflectedinfrared beam onto the imaging surface of a CCD 184 in a dot shape, andthe CCD 184 converts a virtual image (a Purkinje image) formed on theimaging surface due to corneal reflection into an electrical signal, andoutputs the electrical signal.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this virtual image is a virtual image 103of a pupil 102 formed by corneal reflection of the infrared beamradiated from the light source 181 (see FIG. 4), and the relativepositional relationship between the center of the pupil 102 and thevirtual image 103 changes in proportion to the rotation angle of the eyeball 101. In the present exemplary embodiment, image processing isperformed using the electrical signal representing the virtual image andreceived from the CCD 184, and on the basis of the result of the imageprocessing, the line of sight of the operator (the direction of the lineof sight of the operator, i.e. the position which the operator islooking at) is detected.

However, detection of the line of sight of the operator may be performedby any other well-known method, and is not limited to the method shownin FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Also, as the line-of-sight detection sensor 18, for example, an eyetracker made by Tobii Technology K.K may be used.

<Description of Read Motion Information, Read Operator Information, andLine-of-Sight Input Condition>

Now, the read motion information, the read operator information, and theline-of-sight input condition will be described in detail. As describedabove, such a condition that it may be assumed that both hands of theoperator are full is determined as the line-of-sight input condition inadvance, and the condition determination unit 33 determines whether theread motion information or the read operator information satisfies theline-of-sight input condition. Here, the case where the read motioninformation satisfies the line-of-sight input condition and the casewhere the read operator information satisfies the line-of-sight inputcondition will be described separately.

First, the case where the read motion information satisfies theline-of-sight input condition will be described.

In this case, the line-of-sight input condition is a condition definingsuch an operator's motion that it may be assumed that both hands of theoperator are full. Also, the read motion information which is used indetermination is information on operator's motions performed on thecomponents of the image processing apparatus 10 such as the platen 15,the document holding member 14, and the user interface 13. On the basisof the read motion information, the condition determination unit 33determines whether the motion defined in the line-of-sight inputcondition has been performed by the operator.

More specifically, for example, a condition in which both hands of theoperator should be on the platen 15 may be determined as theline-of-sight input condition. In this case, the read motion informationis information on operator's motions performed on the platen 15, and is,for example, an image of the platen 15 acquired by imaging of the firstcamera 19. On the basis of the image of the platen 15, the control unit16 determines whether both hands of the operator are on the platen 15.For example, in the case where the image of the platen 15 includes imageinformation on both hands of the operator, the condition determinationunit 33 determines that the read motion information satisfies theline-of-sight input condition.

Here, in the case where the operator is pressing a document against theplaten 15 with both hands, it may be considered that the platen 15 isbeing pressed by a force having a predetermined magnitude or more. Forthis reason, for example, a condition in which the platen 15 should bebeing pressed by a force equal to or larger than a predeterminedthreshold in a state where the document holding member 14 is open may bedetermined as the line-of-sight input condition. In this case, the readmotion information is information representing the magnitude of thepressing force which is applied to the platen 15 in the state where thedocument holding member 14 is open. On the basis of this read motioninformation, the condition determination unit 33 determines whether thepressing force which is applied to the platen 15 is equal to or largerthan the predetermined threshold.

Also, it may be considered that the magnitude of the pressing force whenthe operator presses a document against the platen 15 is different fromthe magnitude of the pressing force when the document holding member 14presses a document in a state where the document holding member 14 isclosed. For this reason, the pressing force when the document holdingmember 14 is closed may be measured in advance, and in the case wherethe platen 15 is being pressed by a force having a magnitude differentfrom the magnitude of the measured pressing force, it may be determinedthat the line-of-sight input condition is satisfied. Also, since it maybe considered that the magnitude of the pressing force when the operatorpresses a document against the platen 15 falls within a predeterminedrange, in the case where the platen 15 is being pressed by the forcehaving a magnitude within the predetermined range, it may be determinedthat the line-of-sight input condition is satisfied. As described above,the line-of-sight input condition may be considered as a condition basedon an operator's motion which is performed on the platen 15 or acondition based on the magnitude of the pressing force which is appliedto the platen 15.

Also, in the case where the operator is not performing any operation onthe user interface 13, the operator may be pressing a document againstthe platen 15 with both hands. For this reason, for example, a conditionin which the hands (fingers) of the operator should not be on the userinterface 13 for a predetermined time may be determined as theline-of-sight input condition. In this case, the read motion informationis information on operator's motions performed on the user interface 13,and is, for example, images of the user interface 13 acquired by imagingof the first camera 19. On the basis of images of the user interface 13,the condition determination unit 33 determines whether both hands of theoperator are on the user interface 13. For example, if image informationon the hands of the operator are not included in images of the userinterface 13 for the predetermined time, the condition determinationunit 33 determines that the read motion information satisfies theline-of-sight input condition.

Also, the line-of-sight input condition may be limited to the statewhere the document holding member 14 is open. In other words, acondition in which the hands (fingers) of the operator should not be onthe user interface 13 for the predetermined time in the state where thedocument holding member 14 is open may be determined as theline-of-sight input condition. As described above, the line-of-sightinput condition may be considered as a condition based on an operator'smotion which is performed on the user interface 13.

Also, normally, document reading is performed in the state where thedocument holding member 14 is closed. Therefore, in the case where thedocument holding member 14 is open upward, the operator may be pressinga document against the platen 15 with both hands. For this reason, forexample, a condition in which the document holding member 14 should beopen for a predetermined time may be determined as the line-of-sightinput condition. In this case, the read motion information isinformation on operator's motions performed on the document holdingmember 14, and is, for example, information representing that thedocument holding member 14 has been opened and closed. On the basis ofthis read motion information, the condition determination unit 33determines whether the document holding member 14 has been open for thepredetermined time. As described above, the line-of-sight inputcondition may be considered as a condition based on operation motionswhich are performed on the document holding member 14.

Also, in the case where the operator has selected an option for readingspread documents (hereinafter, referred to as a book option), it may beconsidered that the operator will press a spread document against theplaten 15 with both hands. For example, for example, a condition inwhich the book option should be selected may be determined as theline-of-sight input condition. In this case, the read motion informationis information on operator's motions performed on the user interface 13,in other words, information representing an image read condition (animage read mode) set by the operator. If this read motion informationrepresents that the book option has been selected, the conditiondetermination unit 33 determines that the read motion informationsatisfies the line-of-sight input condition.

However, the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to thebook option, and in the case where a specific image read mode has beenselected by the operator, it may be determined that the line-of-sightinput condition is satisfied. The specific image read mode is an imageread mode different from a normal image read mode (for example, the copyfunction and the scan functions with standard settings), and theoperator or the like may set a desired image read mode as the specificimage read mode in advance.

Also, after the specific image read mode such as the book option isselected, if a document is put on the platen 15, it may be determinedthat the line-of-sight input condition is satisfied. In this case, theread motion information is information on operator's motions performedon the platen 15, and is information representing whether any documenthas been put on the platen 15 (i.e. whether any document is on theplaten 15). After the book option (the specific image read mode) isselected, on the basis of the read motion information, the conditiondetermination unit 33 determines whether any document has been put onthe platen 15. Also, in the case where a document has been put on theplaten 15, it is detected by the platen 15 that the document has beenput thereon, and the read motion information acquiring unit 31 acquiresthe corresponding information as the read motion information.

Additionally, in the case where the specific image read mode such as thebook option has been selected, it is also possible to use theline-of-sight input condition for the normal image read mode, such as acondition in which both hands of the operator are on the platen 15. Inother words, in the specific image read mode, separately from theline-of-sight input condition for the normal image read mode or inaddition to that condition, the line-of-sight input condition in which adocument should be on the platen 15 may be used.

Now, the case where the read operator information satisfies theline-of-sight input condition will be described.

In this case, the line-of-sight input condition is a condition definingsuch an operator's state that it may be assumed that both hands of theoperator are full. Also, the condition determination unit 33 determineswhether the read operator information represents the operator's statedefined in the line-of-sight input condition.

For example, in the case where the operator is holding a load, on theoccasion of reading a document, both hands may be full. For example, theoperator may be holding the load with both hand, or may be holding theload with one hand while pressing the document with the other hand. Forthis reason, for example, a condition in which the operator should beholding a load may be determined as the line-of-sight input condition.In this case, the read operator information is an image of the operatoracquired by imaging of the second camera 20. On the basis of the imageof the operator, the condition determination unit 33 determines whetherthe operator is holding a load. Also, which parts the operator should beholding a load in may be limited. For example, a line-of-sight inputcondition in which the operator should be holding a load in both handsor a line-of-sight input condition in which the operator should beholding in one hand may be determined.

Similarly, even in the case where the operator has injuries to any hand(or arm), on the occasion of reading a document, the operator may not beable to use both hands. For example, for example, a condition in whichthe operator should have injuries to any hand (or arm) may be determinedas the line-of-sight input condition. In this case, the read operatorinformation is an image of the operator acquired by imaging of thesecond camera 20. On the basis of the image of the operator, thecondition determination unit 33 determines whether the operator hasinjuries to any hand. Also, which parts the operator should haveinjuries to may be limited. For example, a line-of-sight input conditionin which the operator should have injuries to both hands, or aline-of-sight input condition in which the operator should have injuriesto one hand may be determined.

Also, for example, even in the case where the operator is a disabledperson, on the occasion of reading a document, the operator may not beable to use both hands. For this reason, for example, a condition inwhich the operator should be a disabled person may be determined as theline-of-sight input condition. In this case, the read operatorinformation is an image of the operator acquired by imaging of thesecond camera 20. On the basis of the image of the operator, thecondition determination unit 33 determines whether the operator is adisabled person. Also, which part should have a disability may belimited. For example, a line-of-sight input condition in which theoperator should have a disability in any hand may be determined.

Here, information on people with injuries and disabled people ofoperators who may operate the image processing apparatus 10 may beregistered in advance. Thereafter, the condition determination unit 33may compare information on an operator specified by the authenticationunit 30 with the information registered in advance, to determine whetherthe operator of the image processing apparatus 10 has injuries, whetherthe operator is a disabled person, or the like. In this case, the readoperator information is information of the operator specified by theauthentication unit 30.

Also, in the case where the condition determination unit 33 determineswhether the line-of-sight input condition is satisfied, on the basis ofimages acquired by the first camera 19 and the second camera 20, animage analysis technique according to the related art may be used. Forexample, in order to determine whether both hands of the operator are onthe platen 15, images of the cases where both hands are on the platen 15are registered in advance. Thereafter, the condition determination unit33 compares an image of the platen 15 with the images registered inadvance, to determine whether both hands of the operator are on theplaten 15. Also, for example, in order to determine whether the operatorhas injuries to any hand, images of the cases where hands have injuriesare registered in advance. Thereafter, the condition determination unit33 compares an image of the operator with the images registered inadvance, to determine whether an operator has injuries to any hand.

Also, of the above-mentioned line-of-sight input conditions, someconditions such as the condition in which both hands of the operatorshould be on the platen 15, the condition in which the operator shouldbe holding a load, the condition in which the operator should haveinjuries to any hand, the condition in which the operator should have adisability in any hand, and the condition in which the hands of theoperator should not be on the user interface 13 for the predeterminedtime may be said as conditions related to the state of the hands of theoperator. Also, in this case, the read motion information and the readoperator information may be considered as information representing thestate of the hands of the operator. Further, on the basis of the readmotion information or the read operator information, the conditiondetermination unit 33 determines whether the hands of the operator is ina predetermined state.

Also, the condition determination unit 33 may use any one condition ofthe above-mentioned line-of-sight input conditions as a condition fordetermination, or may use two or more conditions of the above-mentionedline-of-sight input conditions as conditions for determination. Also, inthe case where the condition determination unit 33 uses two or moreconditions as conditions for determination, the display control unit 34may display the read input image in the case where any one condition issatisfied, or may display the read input image in the case where two ormore conditions are satisfied.

As described above, such a condition that it may be assumed that bothhands of the operator are full is set as a line-of-sight inputcondition. However, actually, it is assumed that even though both handsof the operator are not full, if the line-of-sight input condition issatisfied, the read input image is displayed.

<Procedure of Process of Displaying Read Input Image and ReceivingInputs>

Now, the procedure of a process of displaying the read input image andreceiving inputs based on the line of sight of the operator. FIG. 6 is aflow chart illustrating an example of the process procedure fordisplaying the read input image and receiving inputs based on the lineof sight of the operator.

First, the operation input receiving unit 35 determines whether afunction of performing document reading (for example, the copy function,the scan function, or the like) has been selected by the operator (STEPS101). In the case where the determination result of STEP S101 isnegative (“NO”), the processing flow ends. Meanwhile, in the case wherethe determination result of STEP S101 is positive (“YES”), the settingscreen for receiving setting for the function (the function ofperforming document reading) selected by the operator is displayed onthe touch panel 130. Then, as the operator performs operations on thesetting screen, the operation input receiving unit 35 receives settingfor the selected function (STEP S102).

After setting is performed by the operator, the condition determinationunit 33 determines whether the read motion information or the readoperator information satisfies the line-of-sight input condition (STEPS103). In other words, on the basis of the read operator informationacquired by the read operator information acquiring unit 32 or the readmotion information acquired by the read motion information acquiringunit 31, the condition determination unit 33 determines whether theline-of-sight input condition is satisfied.

In the case where the determination result of STEP S103 is positive(“YES”), the display control unit 34 displays the read input image onthe touch panel 130 (STEP S104). Next, the line-of-sight input receivingunit 36 determines whether an instruction to perform document reading,based on the line of sight of the operator looking at the read inputimage, has been received (STEP S105). In the case where thedetermination result of STEP S105 is positive (“YES”), document readingis performed (STEP S106). Then, the processing flow ends. Meanwhile, inthe case where the determination result of STEP S105 is negative (“NO”),the processing flow proceeds to STEP S102.

Also, in the case where the determination result of STEP S103 isnegative (“NO”), the operation input receiving unit 35 determineswhether an instruction to perform document reading, based on anoperator's operation, has been received (STEP S107). In the case wherethe determination result of STEP S107 is positive (“YES”), theprocessing flow proceeds to STEP S106, and document reading isperformed. Meanwhile, in the case where the determination result of STEPS107 is negative (“NO”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S102.

However, since the read motion information is information on operator'smotions, it may be said as information changing with time. For thisreason, in the determination of STEP S103, the read motion informationacquired immediately before the determination is used. Meanwhile, theread operator information is information on the operator, and does notchange with time. For this reason, the read operator information may beacquired at a timing before the determination of STEP S103, for example,at the timing of the process of STEP S101 or STEP S102.

Also, in STEP S104, the display control unit 34 may be configured todisplay the read input image in the case where the operator is lookingat the touch panel 130. In other words, the display control unit 34 maybe configured to display the read input image in the case where it isdetermined that the line-of-sight input condition is satisfied and it isdetermined that the operator is looking at the touch panel 130.

Also, in the above-described example, the condition determination unit33 is configured to perform the determination of STEP S103 after theprocess of STEP S102; however, it is not limited to this configuration.For example, it may be considered that in the case of performingdocument reading with standard settings (default settings), the operatordoes not input any setting in STEP S102. For this reason, for example,after the process of STEP S101, the process of STEP S103 and thesubsequent processes thereof may be performed. Alternatively, forexample, while setting of the operator is received in STEP S102, theprocess of STEP S103 and the subsequent processes thereof may beperformed.

<Specific Examples of Process of Displaying Read Input Image andReceiving Inputs>

Now, the process of displaying the read input image and receiving inputsbased on the line of sight of the operator will be described takingspecific examples (first to third examples).

First Example

First, a first example will be described. In the first example, afterthe operator selects the copy function, if the platen 15 is pressed byboth hands, the read input image is displayed. In other words, in thisexample, the line-of-sight input condition is the condition in whichboth hands of the operator should be on the platen 15.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process procedure of the firstexample. Also, FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating examples of screenswhich may be displayed in the first example. With reference to FIG. 7and FIGS. 8A to 8C, the process of the first example will be described.

First, on the touch panel 130, a menu screen 44 shown in FIG. 8A isdisplayed. In the menu screen 44, various icons representing functionsexecutable in the image processing apparatus 10 are displayed. Here, theoperation input receiving unit 35 determines whether a function ofperforming document reading has been selected by the operator (STEPS201). In the case where the determination result of STEP S201 isnegative (“NO”), the processing flow ends. Meanwhile, in the case wherethe operator has selected an icon 41 for the copy function shown in FIG.8A, the operation input receiving unit 35 determines that the copyfunction has been selected, so the determination result of STEP S201becomes positive (“YES”).

In the case where it is determined in STEP S201 that the copy functionhas been selected (“YES” in STEP S201), the display control unit 34displays a setting screen 45 shown in FIG. 8B, as a setting screen forreceiving setting for the copy function. As the operator performsoperations on the setting screen 45, the operation input receiving unit35 receives settings for the copy function (STEP S202). Here, forexample, the operation input receiving unit receives settings such asthe paper size for forming images and the number of copy sets. Next, onthe basis of the read motion information acquired by the read motioninformation acquiring unit 31, the condition determination unit 33determines whether both hands of the operator are on the platen 15 (STEPS203).

In the case where the determination result of STEP S203 is positive(“YES”), the display control unit 34 displays a read input image 46shown in FIG. 8C (STEP S204). The read input image 46 includes a “Start”button 46A and a “Return to Setting” button 46B. Here, the line-of-sightinput receiving unit 36 determines whether the operator is looking atthe “Start” button 46A (STEP S205).

In the case where the determination result of STEP S205 is positive(“YES”), the copy function is performed (STEP S206). Then, theprocessing flow ends. Meanwhile, in the case where the determinationresult of STEP S205 is negative (“NO”), the processing flow proceeds toSTEP S202. Besides, the determination result of STEP S205 becomesnegative, for example, in the case where the operator is looking at the“Return to Setting” button 46B, the case where the operator has notlooked at any of the “Start” button 46A and the “Return to Setting”button 46B for a predetermined time, and so on.

Also, in the case where the determination result of STEP S203 isnegative (“NO”), the operation input receiving unit 35 determineswhether a “Start” button for performing the copy function has beenpressed by an operator's operation (STEP S207). This “Start” button is abutton different from the “Start” button 46A of the read input image 46,and is a button for receiving an input based on an operator's touchoperation. In the case where the determination result of STEP S207 ispositive (“YES”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S206. Meanwhile,in the case where the determination result of STEP S207 is negative(“NO”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S202.

Second Example

Now, a second example will be described. In the second example, afterthe operator selects the scan function, if the platen 15 is pressed by aforce having the predetermined magnitude or more, a read input image isdisplayed. In other words, in this example, the line-of-sight inputcondition is the condition in which the platen 15 should be pressed by aforce equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold in the statewhere the document holding member 14 is open.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process procedure of the secondexample. Also, FIGS. 10A to 10C are views illustrating examples ofscreens which may be displayed in the second example. With reference toFIG. 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10C, the process of the second example will bedescribed.

First, on the touch panel 130, the menu screen 44 shown in FIG. 8A isdisplayed. Here, the operation input receiving unit 35 determineswhether a function of performing document reading has been selected bythe operator (STEP S301). In the case where the determination result ofSTEP S301 is negative (“NO”), the processing flow ends. Meanwhile, inthe case where the operator has selected an icon 42 for the scanfunction shown in FIG. 8A, the operation input receiving unit 35determines that the copy function has been selected, so thedetermination result of STEP S301 becomes positive (“YES”).

In the case where it is determined in STEP S301 that the scan functionhas been selected (“YES” in STEP S301), the display control unit 34displays a setting screen 47 shown in FIG. 10A, as a setting screen forreceiving setting for the scan function. As the operator performsoperations on the setting screen 47, the operation input receiving unit35 receives settings for the scan function (STEP S302). Here, forexample, the operation input receiving unit receives settings such ascolor setting (color or black-and-white) and an address for image datawhich is generated by the scan function. Next, on the basis of the readmotion information acquired by the read motion information acquiringunit 31, the condition determination unit 33 determines whether theforce pressing the platen 15 in the state where the document holdingmember 14 is open is equal to or larger than the predeterminedthreshold, or not (STEP S303).

In the case where the determination result of STEP S303 is positive(“YES”), the display control unit 34 displays a first read input image48 shown in FIG. 10B (STEP S304). The first read input image 48 includesa “Start” button 48A and a “Return to Setting” button 48B. Here, theline-of-sight input receiving unit 36 determines whether the operator islooking at the “Start” button 48A (STEP S305).

In the case where the determination result of STEP S305 is positive(“YES”), the scan function is performed (STEP S306). Meanwhile, in thecase where the determination result of STEP S305 is negative (“NO”), theprocessing flow proceeds to STEP S302. Besides, the determination resultof STEP S305 becomes negative, for example, in the case where theoperator is looking at the “Return to Setting” button 48B, the casewhere the operator has not looked at any of the “Start” button 48A andthe “Return to Setting” button 48B for a predetermined time, and so on.

Also, after the scan function is performed in the STEP S306, the displaycontrol unit 34 displays a second read input image 49 (STEP S307). Onthis second read input image 49, a “Carry on Scanning” button 49A and a“Finish Scanning and Change Settings” button 49B are displayed. Here,the line-of-sight input receiving unit 36 determines whether theoperator is looking at the “Carry on Scanning” button 49A (STEP S308).In the case of carrying on the scan function, the operator needs to setthe next document (for example, the next page) on the platen 15.

In the case where the determination result of STEP S308 is positive(“YES”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S306, and the scanfunction is carried on. Meanwhile, in the case where the determinationresult of STEP S308 is negative (“NO”), the setting screen 47 shown inFIG. 10A is displayed. Besides, the determination result of STEP S308becomes negative, for example, in the case where the operator is lookingat the “Finish Scanning and Change Settings” button 49B, the case wherethe operator has not looked at any of the “Start” button 49A and the“Finish Scanning and Change Settings” button 49B for a predeterminedtime, and so on.

After the setting screen 47 is displayed, the operation input receivingunit 35 determines whether finish of the scan function has been selectedby the operator (STEP S309). In the case where the determination resultof STEP S309 is positive (“YES”), the processing flow ends. Meanwhile,in the case where the determination result of STEP S309 is negative(“NO”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S302.

Also, in the case where the determination result of STEP S303 isnegative (“NO”), the operation input receiving unit 35 determineswhether a “Start” button for performing the scan function has beenpressed by an operator's operation (STEP S310). This “Start” button is abutton different from the “Start” button 48A of the first read inputimage 48, and is a button for receiving an input based on an operator'stouch operation. In the case where the determination result of STEP S310is negative (“NO”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S302.Meanwhile, in the case where the determination result of STEP S310 ispositive (“YES”), the scan function is performed (STEP S311).

Next, the operation input receiving unit 35 determines whether a “Carryon Scanning” button has been pressed by an operator's operation (STEPS312). This “Carry on Scanning” button is also different from the “Carryon Scanning” button 49A of the second read input image 49, and is abutton for receiving an input based on an operator's touch operation. Inthe case where the determination result of STEP S312 is negative (“NO”),the processing flow proceeds to STEP S302. Meanwhile, in the case wherethe determination result of STEP S312 is negative (“NO”), the processingflow ends.

Third Example

Now, a third example will be described. In the third example, after theoperator selects the book option, if a document is put on the platen 15,a read input image is displayed. In other words, in this example, as theline-of-sight input condition for the case where the book option isselected, the condition in which a document should be on the platen 15is determined in advance. Also, it is assumed that a book copy functionwhich is as an example of the book option and is a function forperforming spread-document copying is selected.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a process procedure of the thirdexample. Also, FIGS. 12A and 12B are views illustrating examples ofscreens which may be displayed in the third example. With reference toFIG. 11 and FIGS. 12A and 12B, the process of the third example will bedescribed.

First, on the touch panel 130, the menu screen 44 shown in FIG. 8A isdisplayed. Here, the operation input receiving unit 35 determineswhether a function of performing document reading has been selected bythe operator (STEP S401). In the case where the determination result ofSTEP S401 is negative (“NO”), the processing flow ends. Meanwhile, inthe case where the operator has selected an icon 43 for the book copyfunction shown in FIG. 8A, the operation input receiving unit 35determines that the book copy function has been selected, so thedetermination result of STEP S401 becomes positive (“YES”).

In the case where it is determined in STEP S401 that the book copyfunction has been selected (“YES” in STEP S401), the display controlunit 34 displays a setting screen 50 shown in FIG. 12A, as a settingscreen for receiving setting for the book copy function. As the operatorperforms operations on the setting screen 50, the operation inputreceiving unit 35 receives settings for the book copy function (STEPS402). On this setting screen 50, for example, a setting item“DOUBLE-SIDED COPY BOOK” is displayed. This item “DOUBLE-SIDED COPYBOOK” is an item for setting whether to make a double-sided copy of abound document such that the spread state does not change, and is asetting item unique to the book copy function, and is not displayed onthe setting screen 45 for the copy function shown in FIG. 8B.

Next, the condition determination unit 33 determines whether anydocument has been put on the platen 15 (STEP S403).

In the case where the determination result of STEP S403 is positive(“YES”), the display control unit 34 displays a read input image 51shown in FIG. 12B (STEP S404). The read input image 51 includes a“Start” button 51A and a “Return to Setting” button 51B. Here, theline-of-sight input receiving unit 36 determines whether the operator islooking at the “Start” button 51A (STEP S405).

In the case where the determination result of STEP S405 is positive(“YES”), the facsimile function is performed (STEP S406). Then, theprocessing flow ends. Meanwhile, in the case where the determinationresult of STEP S405 is negative (“NO”), the processing flow proceeds toSTEP S402. Besides, the determination result of STEP S405 becomesnegative, for example, in the case where the operator is looking at the“Return to Setting” button 51B, the case where the operator has notlooked at any of the “Start” button 51A and the “Return to Setting”button 51B for a predetermined time, and so on.

Also, in the case where the determination result of STEP S403 isnegative (“NO”), the operation input receiving unit 35 determineswhether a “Start” button for performing the book copy function has beenpressed by an operator's operation (STEP S407). This “Start” button is abutton different from the “Start” button 51A of the read input image 51,and is a button for receiving an input based on an operator's touchoperation. In the case where the determination result of STEP S407 ispositive (“YES”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S406. Meanwhile,in the case where the determination result of STEP S407 is negative(“NO”), the processing flow proceeds to STEP S402.

As described above, in the case where the read motion information or theread operator information satisfies the predetermined condition, theimage processing apparatus 10 according to the present exemplaryembodiment displays the read input image, and receives inputs based onthe line of sight of the operator. In the case of performing documentreading, the operator may adjust, for example, the deviation in theposition or angle of a document put on the platen 15. However, forexample, in the case where the operator is pressing a spread documentwith both hands in order to read the document, or in the case where theoperator is holding a load, or has injuries to any hand, both hands ofthe operator may be full. In such a case, if the operator takes any handfrom the document in order to perform a read start operation, in a statewhere the document is out of place, reading may be performed.

For this reason, in the image processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment, in the case where the predeterminedcondition is satisfied, the read input image is displayed, so readingmay be started without separating any operator's hand from the document.Therefore, for example, as compared to the configuration in which aninput for reading is performed by the hands of the operator, reading isreduced from being performed in the state where a document is out ofplace. Also, in the image processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment, on the basis of the line of sight of theoperator, reading is started. Therefore, as compared to theconfiguration in which after a document is put on the platen 15, if apredetermined time elapses, reading is started, it becomes easier toperform reading at the timing intended by the operator.

Also, in the above-described examples, such a condition that it may beassumed that both hands of the operator are full is set as theline-of-sight input condition; however, the embodiments of the presentinvention is not limited to this configuration. In the present exemplaryembodiment, regardless of whether both hands of the operator are full,such a condition that it may be assumed that there is an obstacle tooperation of the operator may be set as the line-of-sight inputcondition. In other words, the condition of the case where theoperability is lower as compared to the case where both hands of theoperator are free (the operator may use both hands) may be set as theline-of-sight input condition. As an example of such a case, the casewhere one hand of the operator is in use may be taken.

For example, it may be considered that in the case where the operator ispressing a document with one hand, and the other hand is free, dependingon where the touch panel 130 is disposed, as compared to theconfiguration in which the touch panel 130 is operated by the otherhand, the configuration in which an input based on the line of sight isreceived makes it easier for the operator to start reading. For thisreason, such a condition that it may be assumed that one hand of theoperator is in use may be set as the line-of-sight input condition inadvance. Even in this case, document reading may be started by the lineof sight of the operator.

Also, a program for implementing the exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be provided by a communication tool, and may also bestored in recording media such as CD-ROMs to be provided.

Also, although various exemplary embodiments and modifications(examples) have been described, the exemplary embodiments and themodifications (examples) may be combined.

Also, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-describedexemplary embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms withoutdeparting from the gist of the present disclosure.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: animage reading unit that reads an image of a document according to aninstruction of an operator; an acquiring unit that acquires informationon the operator performing document reading, or information on motionsof the operator performed on the image processing apparatus in order toperform document reading; and a display that performs display forreceiving an input for document reading, based on the line of sight,from the operator, when the information acquired by the acquiring unitsatisfies a predetermined condition.
 2. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: the acquiring unit acquires informationon motions of the operator performed on a platen where documents are putor a document holding member provided so as to be able to be opened andclosed to press a document put on the platen, and in a case where theinformation acquired by the acquiring unit represents that apredetermined operation has been performed on the platen or the documentholding member, the display performs the display.
 3. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the acquiring unitacquires a magnitude of a pressing force which is applied to the platen,and when the magnitude of the pressing force in a state where thedocument holding member is open is equal to or larger than apredetermined threshold, the display performs the display.
 4. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the acquiring unitacquires information representing that the document holding member hasbeen opened and closed, and when an open state of the document holdingmember is maintained for a predetermined time, the display performs thedisplay.
 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein: the acquiring unit acquires information representing a state ofthe hands of the operator, and in a case where the information acquiredby the acquiring unit represents that the state of the hands of theoperator is a predetermined state, the display performs the display. 6.The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:an imaging unit that images a platen where documents are put, whereinthe acquiring unit acquires an image acquired by the imaging unit, asthe information representing the state of the hands of the operator, andwhen the image acquired by the acquiring unit shows both hands of theoperator are on the platen, the display performs the display.
 7. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the acquiringunit acquires an image read condition set by the operator, and when theimage read condition acquired by the acquiring unit represents thatsetting for reading a document having a spread part and composed of aplurality of sheets has been performed, the display performs thedisplay.
 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7,wherein: after the setting has been performed, when a document is put onthe platen, the display performs the display.
 9. An image processingapparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image of adocument according to an instruction of an operator; and a display thatperforms display for receiving an input for document reading, based onthe line of sight, from the operator, when setting for reading spreaddocuments is performed.
 10. An image processing apparatus comprising: anacquiring unit that acquires information on a specific image read modeselected by an operator and different from a normal image read mode; adisplay that displays an image for specifying the line of sight of theoperator when the specific image read mode is selected; and a receivingunit that receives an input for document reading, based on the line ofsight, by specifying the line of sight of the operator looking at theimage displayed on the display.